My SIL Invited My Kids to Her Big House With a Pool for the Holidays – When I Showed Up Unannounced, I Went Pale

When my sister-in-law invited my kids to her luxurious mansion for a week, I imagined them enjoying her pool and games. Candace’s six-bedroom home seemed perfect for my ten-year-old daughter, Annie, and eight-year-old son, Dean, to play with their cousin Mikayla. I dropped them off with swimsuits and $150 each for treats, expecting a fun summer break.

Three days passed without a word from my kids, which was unusual. Candace assured me they were having a blast, but on day four, Annie texted, “Mom, come save us. Aunt took our phones.” I raced over and was horrified to find my kids scrubbing pool tiles and hauling garbage while Mikayla lounged. A clipboard listed extensive chores they had to do for pool access. Furious, I learned Candace threatened to take their money and make them sleep in the garage if they didn’t comply.

I retrieved their phones, left immediately, and later sent Candace a $600 invoice for their labor. She paid promptly. I used the money for an amusement park trip, where my kids enjoyed carefree fun, learning their mom will always protect them and that fair work deserves fair pay.